INDIGOFERA. Widespread, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. This is an immense group of the pea family, totalling about 700 species and including plants from annuals to trees. Those of interest here are shrubs from more temperate regions. They have divided leaves, like many other peas, and clusters of small, rather typical pea-flowers, often showy en masse. The following thrive with sun or light shade, reasonably well drained soil, and moderate watering. Both should be hardy to 15^oF or less.

australis. Australia. A graceful, arching shrub, growing 3’ to occasionally 10’ high. The stems may be bright green or tinged with red. Spaced along them are feathery leaves up to 4" long. Borne in their axils in summer and fall are narrow clusters of beautiful 1/2" flowers, varying from light pink to reddish purple in color. Probably 20^oF. or less.

heterantha. This is a deciduous shrub, probably growing 6-8’ high and wide in the current form. It is well-branched, with rather stiff stems and airy grey-green leaves. Through the summer and well into fall, the plants are dotted with short, dense clusters of 1/2" flowers, deep purplish pink in this unnamed selection.

incarnata (I. decora). Japan and China. One of the most beautiful of all the shrubby peas. The plant is more or less evergreen in mild winters, deciduous in more severe conditions. It is a slowly growing, parasol shaped shrub, not much over 2’ in height but spreading to perhaps 4-5’. The leaves are divided feather-like into several pairs of soft green leaflets. Beneath them hang clusters of 3/4" long, pea shaped flowers, with rose pink lower portions and lighter banners. The overall impression is that of a miniature wisteria. Our plants are seldom out of bloom, though a more severe climate may restrict their season to spring and summer.